In recent days, more young people and elderly residents have begun wearing non-prescription and non-standard glasses. Doctors in Kabul warn that these glasses actively harm the eyes and pose a real threat to visual health. Because they do not meet medical standards, they fail to improve vision and, over time, weaken eyesight and trigger serious eye problems. Doctors stress that each person should choose reading glasses and sunglasses based on an accurate eye prescription. When glasses do not match a person’s vision needs, they can cause eye fatigue, headaches, burning, itching, and tearing, and in some cases, even alter the eye’s prescription.
In conversations with the Hasht-e Subh Daily, these doctors explain that glasses have become a basic health necessity for many people. Yet the habit of using them correctly has not taken root. Proper use requires awareness, guidance, and a culture that values eye health.
Walid Farahmand, an eye doctor, explains that non-standard plastic glasses damage the eyes over time and should never be used carelessly. He says glasses must match each person’s eye condition and prescription. Despite this, many shops sell glasses without any assessment, and people buy them simply because they do not know better.
Speaking to the Hasht-e Subh Daily, Farahmand describes the risks of non-prescription glasses in detail. “Low-quality plastic distorts images and reduces clarity, which increases eye fatigue. Dark-colored protective glasses also cause the eye socket to widen. When the lenses or plastics are poor in quality, they offer no protection and instead allow more harmful rays to enter, damaging the eye’s nervous tissues. These glasses scratch easily as well, scattering light and irritating the eyes.”
Another eye doctor, Zia-ul-Haq Zia, warns that people, especially children with eye problems, should never use non-standard glasses without medical advice. He emphasizes that these glasses do not help and can cause harm.
He explains, “Glasses sold on the streets do not fix eye problems. Instead, they can lead to headaches, dizziness, and when the prescription does not match the eyes, they may even cause eye deviation or misalignment.”
Mr. Zia urges citizens to visit a specialist if they experience eye problems and to avoid buying glasses on their own. He adds that when doctors prescribe glasses, they do so to improve vision, reduce headaches, correct eye deviation, treat lazy eye, lessen eye fatigue, and protect the eyes.
Across Kabul, vendors now sell non-standard glasses on yellow boards or carry them through busy streets. People of all ages buy these glasses, and in some cases, sellers even offer plastic glasses made specifically for children.
Some Kabul residents say they wear these glasses both for eye protection and as a fashion item.
Shazia, one of these residents, says she owns several designs of non-prescription plastic glasses. She admits that fashion motivates her more than health, although she believes the glasses offer some protection.
“As you can see, I am wearing black glasses now,” she says. “I wear them mostly for fashion because I like them. At home, I have six or seven more pairs. I think wearing glasses is good. Kabul’s air is very polluted, so they help in that way too. They work for sunlight as well, but honestly, I wear them mainly for fashion.”
Rahimullah, another Kabul resident, believes that despite some drawbacks, sunglasses and snow glasses offer far more benefits. He points out that in Afghanistan, wearing glasses still carries a social stigma, and users often face mocking or harsh comments.
“Instead of saying glasses are harmful and avoiding them completely, we should use them,” he says. “In summer, many people avoid glasses because they fear being mocked. But if their eyes are damaged, will those same people help them? During exam nights, students study until morning without wearing reading glasses. Yes, problems can exist, but the benefits are greater. When people step out of dark rooms into bright sunlight or snow, their eyes suffer. In those moments, wearing glasses is necessary.”
Parwiz, unlike these two residents, says he once used non-prescription glasses but stopped after learning about their dangers.
“Non-prescription glasses cause many problems for the eyes,” he says. “I used them before, but once I understood the risks, I stopped. One serious harm is that they weaken the pupil and can even cause spots on the face. I have studied this myself. Harmful solar rays, especially ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B, damage the eyes. These glasses should only be bought and used after consulting a doctor.”
The price of these glasses depends on the quality of the lenses and frames. Still, most eyewear shops in Afghanistan sell them without any medical consultation, and even reading glasses are often offered without a proper eye examination.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
رواج عینکهای بدون نمره در کابل؛ تهدید سلامت چشم در سایه فروش خودسرانه
